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The CDC recommends an injectable monoclonal antibody shot, named Beyfortus, for infants to protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during the upcoming fall season. Babies under 8 months old and some older infants are advised to receive the shot, which acts as passive immunization, directly delivering antibodies to the bloodstream. Beyfortus, approved by the FDA, is expected to reduce the risk of RSV-related respiratory illness by about 75%, with availability expected before the 2023-2024 RSV season and coverage under the CDC's Vaccines for Children Program.

The FDA has approved the first-ever pill for postpartum depression called zuranolone, jointly developed by Biogen and Sage Therapeutics. Taken daily for two weeks, the medication showed significant improvement in symptoms as early as three days after the first pill in clinical trials involving women experiencing severe depression after childbirth. Zuranolone acts similarly to a vaccine, delivering antibodies directly to the bloodstream, and provides a more accessible at-home treatment option compared to existing intravenous injections. While experts are encouraged by its quick efficacy, follow-up data and considerations for breastfeeding are still pending.

Firefighters in Albuquerque, New Mexico, have contained a massive plastics fire that generated hazardous air pollution, although the debris could continue to smolder for days. The fire, which ignited at a plastic pipe manufacturing and recycling facility, resulted in a thick cloud of black smoke due to burning high-density polyethylene. The toxic chemicals released from burning plastic, including dioxins and polyaromatic hydrocarbons, can pose health risks, such as cancer, from long-term exposure. While the health alert has been lifted, fire crews are still monitoring the site for any remaining smoldering material. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has introduced more inclusive guidelines for blood donation eligibility, allowing more gay men to donate blood. The new guidelines use a risk-based individual assessment to determine eligibility rather than focusing solely on sexual orientation. This change is seen as significant progress in blood banking history and aims to make blood donation more inclusive while ensuring the safety of the blood supply. While some critics argue that the guidelines still exclude certain groups, including those using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), it is hoped that the policy will evolve further to become even more inclusive in the future.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that two individuals contracted flu strains typically found in pigs after visiting pig exhibits at agricultural fairs. The cases were identified in Michigan and occurred about 10 days after the individuals visited separate fairs in July. While such cases are relatively rare, they underscore the potential for flu viruses to cross over from animals to humans. The CDC recommends precautions for those visiting state or agricultural fairs, including avoiding eating or drinking near pig exhibits, avoiding contact with visibly ill animals, and practicing proper hand hygiene.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Cannabis is having a senior moment

Bronny James, the son of NBA legend LeBron James, has been released from the hospital after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest on the basketball floor. He received swift and effective attention from the USC athletics' medical staff when the medical emergency occurred, and doctors at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center credited their quick response for his successful treatment. The James family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from the community and stated that Bronny is resting and doing well. In a personal reflection, Dr. Sanjay Gupta discusses his shift in perspective on cannabis as a medicine. Initially skeptical, his view changed after witnessing the relief it provided to patients, especially seniors.

• With the fastest-growing demographic of cannabis users being seniors, Gupta explores its potential to replace traditional medications for age-related issues. He emphasizes responsible use, appropriate guidance, and regulation while highlighting the transformative impact of cannabis on seniors' well-being.
• The purpose of the endocannabinoid system, according to esteemed Israeli researcher Dr. Dedi Meiri, is not to treat any particular ailment but rather to create balance in the body, known as homeostasis. It is when that homeostasis is lost, he says, that we become more susceptible to those nuisances of aging: sleep, pain, mood. As we get older, we make fewer of those cannabinoids, become deficient, and increasingly lose the homeostasis.

Richard Kovacs, a sports cardiologist and the chief medical officer at the American College of Cardiology: “We look at sports as having a static and dynamic component,” Kovacs said. “We look at sports as having long-term endurance efforts versus short-term bursts — and basketball is a combination of all of the above. The prognosis and what happens next, and can they return to play, depends on a very, very clear-cut diagnosis of what’s wrong, and why did this happen in the first place? If there was a sudden unexpected death in your family, whatever the circumstances — during competition or an unexplained drowning accident — can be a hint there’s a familial tendency towards sudden cardiac arrest,” Kovacs said.

Parkinson’s Research and the Gut: Exploring the Connection

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Over the years, there has been a growing interest in understanding the role of the gut microbiome in Parkinson’s disease. Emerging research suggests that there might be a connection between Parkinson’s and gut health, offering new insights into potential treatments and preventive strategies. In this article, we will delve into the latest research and explore the intriguing relationship between Parkinson’s disease and the gut.

You can find more stories like these on MorningMed- a newsletter curated for HCPs to keep up with the world of healthcare and medicine through roundups, practical insights, and other useful resources.

ACL injuries plague the Women’s World Cup. The solution for athletes may need to start much earlier

Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are common in sports, particularly among female athletes, who are two to eight times more likely to tear their ACLs than males. The risk factors include anatomical, hormonal, and environmental factors.

Key takeaways

• Studies have revealed anatomic risk factors, such as women's smaller ACLs and larger Q angles (the ratio of hip width to femur length), which can predispose them to a knocked-knee position, increasing stress on the ACL. While some of these factors are beyond control, focusing on controllable aspects like strengthening specific muscle groups and improving biomechanics through neuromuscular training can significantly reduce the risk of ACL injuries.
  
  
• Such programs have been shown to reduce ACL injuries by about 72%, making them crucial for athletes, especially at a young age, to prevent the long-term consequences and the risk of osteoarthritis associated with ACL tears.
  
  
• The mechanism of injury, often seen as an outstretched leg with minimal knee and hip bend, can be mitigated with neuromuscular training. Strengthening the hamstrings, glutes, and calves helps in deceleration during quick changes of direction, while the hip muscles play a crucial role in preventing the "knock-knee" position that strains the ACL.
  
  
• Programs like PEP and 11+ offer dynamic warm-ups that focus on these areas and have been shown to reduce ACL injuries by up to 72%. While eliminating all risk is impossible, especially in contact sports, this training significantly enhances injury prevention, especially for non-contact situations involving sudden directional changes.
  
  
• ACL injuries are becoming increasingly common in young athletes, with a notable 300% increase in adolescents over a decade. While the spotlight often shines on professional players, the highest incidence of ACL injuries is among high school athletes, and the trend is extending to middle school-age athletes as well.
• To address this issue, parents should be proactive in seeking out injury prevention programs for their children's sports teams. Coaches and sports organizations should prioritize incorporating neuromuscular training plans into their programs. Preventing ACL injuries at a younger age contributes to the long-term development and performance of athletes, reducing the risk of recurrent injuries as they progress in their sports careers.

Is There a Doctor in the House?

A study is being conducted to assess mesothelioma in shipyard workers. A large shipyard firm has provided the asbestos exposure records of all employees during the past 50 years. The health insurer for the workers has provided claims data that documents all chest x-rays and diagnoses of mesothelioma among current workers and retirees. The study enrolled shipyard workers who were diagnosed with mesothelioma and shipyard workers who were not diagnosed with mesothelioma. All subjects in the study had to have chest x-rays.

Which of the following is the best rationale for selecting a comparison group that had chest x-rays?

Toxic bacteria, specifically cyanobacteria or blue-green algae, have been detected in several bodies of water within Utah's Zion National Park. The National Park Service issued health watches and warnings, advising against swimming or submerging in affected waterways, and cautioned against drinking water from the park. Cyanotoxins can cause irritation, headaches, seizures, vomiting, and diarrhea in humans, and can be fatal in rare cases. Factors like climate change, pollution, and increased human activity along water bodies contribute to the proliferation of cyanobacteria, and experts emphasize the importance of avoiding contact with contaminated water. Similar cases of cyanobacteria contamination have been reported in various states recently.

Reported cases of leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, have more than doubled in southeastern states of the United States over the past decade, with Central Florida particularly affected. The region's disproportionate share of cases suggests that leprosy might now be endemic in Florida, meaning it has a consistent presence in the population rather than sporadic outbreaks. While the disease can spread from person to person through close and prolonged contact, it's not yet fully understood how it is transmitted. Contact with infected armadillos is also considered a potential source of infection. Leprosy is treatable with antibiotics, but if left untreated, it can cause severe nerve damage and disability.

New drugs for Alzheimer's disease that target the toxic protein beta amyloid may be less effective for Black patients, leading to concerns about disparities in treatment outcomes. Clinical trials for Leqembi and donanemab revealed that Black participants were screened out at higher rates due to insufficient amyloid levels, potentially indicating that Alzheimer's in Black populations may be driven by different factors. The findings highlight the need for a better understanding of Alzheimer's in diverse populations to ensure equitable and effective treatments for those at risk.

A new KFF poll reveals that nearly half of US adults show interest in using weight-loss drugs, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. While few have had a prescription for weight loss, about 60% of those trying to lose weight and a quarter of those not currently attempting weight loss would consider such medications if proven safe and effective. Interest is higher among those informed by healthcare providers about their overweight or obese status and among those aiming to lose over 20 pounds. However, interest declines for routine injection-based drugs and if potential weight regain, lack of insurance coverage, or FDA approval issues are present. The majority support insurance coverage for weight-loss prescription drugs.

A recent study reveals that as drug overdose deaths surge, evidence- based treatments for substance use, particularly opioid use disorder, are significantly underutilized. Only about a third of adults with opioid use disorder received any form of treatment for substance use, and merely 1 in 5 received medication such as buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone. The study also exposes disparities in treatment access, with men, White adults, and those utilizing telehealth for treatment being more likely to receive medication. The findings underscore the importance of utilizing safe and effective medications to sustain recovery and reduce overdose deaths, particularly through expanded telehealth services.

Thank you for reading! More next week,

My best wishes for a productive and idea-filled week ahead. Thanks for your ongoing efforts to improve the lives of the patients we all serve. Please send any news, comments, suggestions and ideas to hello@morningmed.email.

Quiz answer: The correct answer is C: "Minimize ascertainment bias"

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